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The range on the fuel gauge is usually based on the average miles already driven - so what the gauge shows may not be accurate for your current driving conditions.

Insurance company LV published a list of the 10 most popular cars at the time and revealed on average how much further you would be able to go in each one after the warning light comes.

It said that in a Vauxhall Astra you would only be able to go another 26 miles before running out of juice and just 29 miles in a Vauxhall Corsa. In a Ford Fiesta, you would get another 37 miles and in a Ford Focus 40 miles.

A VW Golf would go for another 42 miles and a VW Polo 39 miles.

People driving an Audi A3 could travel for 42 extra miles, a Nissan Qashqai 43 miles and a MINI Cooper 45 miles.

The best performer out of the 10 was the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, offering an extra 46 miles grace.

But LV said that many motorists overestimate how much fuel they have left in their tank. But why do so many motorists still keep running out of fuel, particularly on motorways?

LV said it could be down to the higher price of petrol at motorway service stations - with people preferring to keep going rather than pay the higher prices.

(Image: Lewis Whyld/PA Wire)

However, the insurer said that those who choose to do this could end up paying an even higher price for running out of fuel.

Firstly, there is the aforementioned fines from police if your stricken vehicle ends up causing an obstruction. And if you are not covered then there is the cost of having your vehicle recovered.

You can also damage the car itself if you allow your fuel levels to get too low.

As the level gets lower the car will start picking up debris from the bottom of the tank. This can damage both the fuel filter and pump. The catalytic converter can also be damaged.

And running completely out of petrol can cause the fuel pump in your car to run dry - resulting in a visit to the garage and a bill of hundreds of pounds.

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However, this is only for petrol cars. Diesel cars are fitted with an engine management system, which shuts down the car before you run out of fuel, thus preventing any damage.

All of this combined means that if you run out of fuel you can find yourself seriously out of pocket.

And if you do, you also run the risk of paying the ultimate price. Conking out in the middle of a busy motorway is dangerous. You put yourself and other road users at risk. So, it’s best to keep an eye on that fuel gauge at all times.

FIVE FUEL-PRESERVING TIPS

If you do find yourself running low on petrol here are a few things you can do to eke out what little fuel remains in the tank:

Turn off all electronic accessories and unplug any charging phones.

Roll up your windows to reduce wind resistance.

Drive at around 40 mph (provided this is within the speed limit). This is considered the most fuel-efficient speed.